Satellite technology creates virtual grazing areas in Epping forest

Satnav keeps cows safe without the need for fences and lets woodland thrive

Epping Forest has swaths of designated land that is home to adders, grass snakes and common lizards, as well as white admiral and purple hairstreak butterflies, and mammals such as shrews and voles that, in turn, provide food for birds of prey and owls.

However, life for the forest's bovine residents has not been so easy. Forest staff have long battled to prevent the cattle from roaming across nearby roads and dual carriageways.